Anencephaly is a serious neural tube defect where the brain and skull do not fully develop, leaving the brain and parts of the skull absent. It is incompatible with life and many infants are stillborn. The condition can be detected through ultrasounds during the first half of pregnancy by noting large eyes, wide shoulders, and high levels of alpha-feto protein in amniotic fluid. If diagnosed early, termination of the pregnancy is advised.

2.  It is the most serious neural tube defect ,is a
congenital malfomation in which both cerebral
hemispheres are absent.The condition is
incompatible with life ,and many affected infants
are still birth.

3.  The fetus has large
protuding eyes.
 Wide shoulder
 More prevalent in 1st
birth and young and
elderly mothers
 Baby doesnot
survive

4.  During 1stHalf of pregnancy;
 Ultrasonography
 Raised alpha feto protei in amniotic fluid
 In 2nd half trimenster daignosis is
difficult,especially when associated with
hydraminous.

5.  If diagnosed earlier during pregnancy termination
is adviced
 If pregnancy continues beyond 28 weeks, labour
may be induced.
 Parents are encouraged to go for genetic
counselling.